He denied the sanctions would adversely affect the squad and said the move sent a strong message to those players harbouring ambitions of being part of the final squad to make the journey to France in September.

"Players were told at the start of the camp that if they were unable to meet certain standards they would be removed from the camp," he explained.

"We have very limited time available to us for physical preparation before the World Cup and this camp was to give us a platform from which to build on for the rest of the year."

The remaining 43 players will complete the camp on Friday having completed core strength, running and strength tests over the first two days.